The Best Trail in Knuckles Mountain Range
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Overview
Knuckles Mountain Range sets the stage for this 3-day adventure into one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic and untouched landscapes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this trek offers a unique opportunity to explore 6 hidden waterfalls, cross crystal-clear streams, and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Knuckles wilderness. Highlights include camping in a cave next to an Duwili ella waterfall and staying in a 50-year-old cardamom hut surrounded by nature. This trail features every major topography and vegetation type found in the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Basic Details
- Pick-up Time: 6.30 AM
- Duration: 3 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Live Guide: English
- Hiking Distance: 32 km
Highlight
- Discover the hidden beauty of the Knuckles Mountain Range on a 3-day trek.
- Camp in a cave next to Duwili ella waterfall on the second night.
- Stay in a 50-year-old cardamom hut in the middle of the forest on the first night.
- Cross 10 streams and visit 6 stunning waterfalls, including the breathtaking Ginikuru Falls.
- Walk through pygmy and cloud forests in this pristine World Heritage conservation area.
- End the trek with a refreshing bath in the crystal-clear Ranamure Oya.
Why This Trek is Special
This 3-day adventure gives you experiences you can’t find anywhere else. You’ll discover secret waterfalls that most tourists never see and sleep inside a natural cave next to a thundering waterfall. The Knuckles Mountain Range stays away from crowded tourist spots, so you can truly connect with pure nature.
Perfect for adventure lovers who want something different, this trek combines the best of Sri Lankan mountains, forests, and village life. You’ll create memories that last forever while experiencing the untouched beauty of one of the island’s most special places.
Tour Plan
Your adventure begins at 6:30 AM with hotel pickup from Kandy. You'll travel to Bambarella, a remote village where your trek starts. After a morning briefing from your experienced guide, you'll begin hiking through the charming Bambarella village and the scenic Lebanon Estate tea plantations. The peaceful surroundings create the perfect start to your mountain adventure.
At the village edge, you'll enter the famous Knuckles Conservation Forest. The trail takes you through magical pygmy and cloud forests, where you'll spot unique plants and animals found only in this region. After several hours of hiking, you'll stop for a delicious village-style lunch beside a crystal-clear mountain stream. The tree canopy provides natural shade while you eat and rest.
By evening, you'll arrive at a historic 50-year-old hut once used by cardamom farmers. This is the last remaining cardamom plantation in the entire Knuckles Mountain Range. Surrounded by forest tranquility and mountain sounds, you'll spend your first night in this unique accommodation.
After breakfast at the cardamom hut, you'll hike through thick forest for about 2 hours to reach Raach Waterfall paradise. Your first stop is an amazing natural cave, then you'll walk another 2 km to discover the hidden waterfalls. You'll explore several of the six secret waterfalls and natural infinity pools in this untouched area. The crystal-clear water and stunning beauty create a truly magical experience.
The day's highlight is reaching a unique cave located right next to a powerful 70-meter-high waterfall. This natural wonder exists only in Sri Lanka, making it incredibly special. The thundering sound of cascading water and the breathtaking surroundings make this camping spot unforgettable. You'll spend the night inside this natural cave, experiencing nature in a way most people never will.
After packing up and enjoying breakfast, your final trekking day begins. The trail leads you across two vast, open grasslands that offer stunning panoramic views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. You'll visit the top of Ginikuru Falls, one of the region's most beautiful waterfalls, before walking down to Ranamure village.
This peaceful rural village sits next to the Knuckles Range, where friendly local families have lived for generations. You'll enjoy a refreshing bath in the crystal-clear waters of Ranamure Oya stream. The final day's hike takes about 5 hours to complete. Your vehicle will meet you at the endpoint with your luggage.
Your trek concludes with a traditional village-style rice and curry lunch served beside beautiful green paddy fields. Finally, you'll take a scenic drive back to Kandy or Dambulla, carrying home unforgettable memories of this unique mountain adventure.
- Comfortable shoes
- Comfortable backpack
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Comfortable clothes
- Slippers
- Power bank
Includes / Excludes
- Private Tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Specialized guide
- Private transport
- 8 main Meals
- 5 tea with snacks
- Camping Gear (Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses)
- Entrance tickets
- Basic first-aid
- Personal expenses
- Sanitary items
- Additional services
- Tips
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Review Scores
3 thoughts on “The Best Trail in Knuckles Mountain Range”
Lanka Trek
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5
Lanka Trek delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish! As a Belgian hiker used to well-marked trails, I appreciated the adventure of exploring Sri Lanka’s forests with our knowledgeable guide Ravi. The 3-day Knuckles Trail was challenging but incredibly rewarding with its diverse landscapes and hidden waterfalls. The absolute highlight was finishing our trek at a pristine water stream in the middle of Ranamure’s paddy fields. It was the most peaceful bathing experience I’ve ever had. The calm surroundings and crystal-clear water were the perfect reward after three days of hiking. Lanka Trek’s commitment to authentic experiences while maintaining high safety standards is impressive. Thanks for the amazing memories!
5
I joined Arthur on this incredible hike, and we both had an amazing time! Ravi was a fantastic guide. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and always making sure we were comfortable along the way. The trail was a bit challenging but absolutely worth it for the stunning views. Highly recommended for those who love adventure!
5
We did a 3 day hike trough the Knuckles Forest. Nadula and Chamika took amazingly good care of us from the beginning till the end. Stunning views, navigating dense forest and unforgettable camping spots. Everything was done well and they made it a very enjoyable experience. Thank you guys 🙏🏼